Aspirin reduces cardiovascular events in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease but at a near equivalent risk of increased bleeding

Commentary on: Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Senger CA, et al.. Aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular events: a systematic evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med 2016;164:804–13 . Context The use of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial, as randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have produced mixed results. Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published updated recommendations on the use of aspirin for primary prevention of CVD and colorectal cancer.1 This systematic review and meta-analysis served as the basis for these USPSTF recommendations for primary CVD prevention. Methods All trials from the previous 2009 USPSTF guideline on the use of aspirin for primary CVD prevention (minimum of 75 mg every other day for 1 year or more) in adults aged 40 or more were included, and a comprehensive literature search for additional trials from...
Source: Evidence-Based Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Clinical trials (epidemiology), Epidemiologic studies, Drugs: cardiovascular system, Stroke, Hypertension, Ischaemic heart disease Therapeutics/Prevention Source Type: research